Re: Attention All Collectors

In addition to the people here on StraightBourbon, I have known two pretty serious collectors. One collected any kind of spirits, the older the better, mostly because he fancied the old bottles and labels. He was also a drinker, but his collection was different from his stash. The collection was not for drinking.

The other guy also had both, a collection and a stash. He would be the ideal collector if there were other people like him, which there don't seem to be. He had some things in quantity. (I am referring to him in the past tense because we have lost touch, but I presume he still has all this stuff.) For example, he had cases of pre-1972 Old Taylor and at least a case of Very Very Old Fitz. His thing was bourbon produced at now-defunct distilleries.

Unlike these two guys, most of the people here do not make a distinction between their collection (not for drinking) and their stash (for drinking). It's all for drinking. Unopened bottles are just bottles that haven't been opened yet. Is that a fair conclusion?

Re: Attention All Collectors

Hello, Again Chuck. You have that right. i really do not consider my self a collector of Bourbon. I have just acquired what i find to be some of the better Bourbons available today. I think of a collectible as something that is special, unique, and possible of future appreciation. I realize a lot of people collect items for all different reasons. Just having grown up collecting real collectibles. Rare coins, sports cards and old gold clubs I tried to collect what was rare and had potential to appreciate in value. I do not consider my Bourbon as something that will go up in value. Quite the opposite. i keep drinking it and replacing. Most of what I have has been bought at liquor stores. if I hear about another Bourbon that I am curious about and If money is available I may go out and buy it. Right now after trying many of the better Bourbons I am content to drink the 5/6 that I reall like and can afford. leaving some of the higher priced stuff for special occasions. creggor.

Re: Attention All Collectors

Hello Chuck
Quite a few of my old bottles, such as the VVOF and the old bottlings of 1849 which i believe to have been bottled in 1970 will never be opened because they will be passed on to my young ones.I have enough to enjoy plus to save at least three unopened bottles of various older whiskys to pass on. Also it looks like i should stock up on various bottles of George Dickel. This seems to be an ideal time to save bottlings of the very best bourbons that we all like that have been discontinued or closed down.wish my folks would have saved some old bottles for me. --Life is Good!--Den

Re: Attention All Collectors

Greetings, All,

I have been, up 'til now, a lurker here, though a few of the regulars here know me by name. I would probably be classified as a "collector", though very few of my bottles are particularly old or particularly rare. I've only been accumulating (and consuming) bottles for about 4 years now. I don't distinguish between my drinking-stock and my "collection", as just about everything that is unopened is awaiting an occasion to be opened and consumed. Sometimes I will "stock up" when it appears that a bottling will soon become scarce and/or more expensive. I leaving open the possibility that I might trade a few of an item I have in quantity -- to obtain something else that I don't have (and would like to drink) or of which I have fewer.

I have most categories of spirits represented in my "collection", though the overwhelming majority of the bottles come from only three categories: Whisk(e)y, Brandy and Port. About 75% of my collection in whisk(e)y -- predominantly single malts Scotch and Bourbon. I originally intended merely to have a "well stocked bar" and to broaden my experience, but I am the kind of person who has little truck with moderation. I either have no interest in a subject, or embrace it enthusiastically. I do not "collect" things per se -- but I do tend to have a lot of objects related to fields I enjoy -- for example: bicycling (bikes, accessories and tools), books, music, glassware (glasses, decanters), tools. I like to have the things I might need (or want) to hand. On the flip side, I did not own a car, TV or camera until very recently. I tend not to acquire things until I see a need for them. But if I really like something, I tend to pursue it passionately!

I currently have about 2500 bottles in my collection. I try to keep the open bottles down to about 50 or 60 at a time (to minimize deterioration). I usually will look for an "occasion" to open a new or special bottle. Sometimes a premeditated event or gathering, sometimes an avid friend stopping by, or sometimes merely the emptying of the previous bottle of the same or similar whisky (or whatever). I don't seem to have too much problem keeping a fair assortment of bottles open! It's harder to exercise restraint, so that I don't have too high a proportion of bottles open! With this many open, and in reserve, it's hard to give them all the attention they deserve!

Most of my bottles have come from retail purchases, though a few have been trades or gifts. Whenever I make a trip to another state or country, I keep in mind the potential whisky-shopping opportunities, as each state or country has its own unique set of offerings. I've hand carried many of my bottles from other states or countries, and have sometimes had trusted friends carry bottles back for me from wherever they are visiting. I have also, likewise, procured bottles for my enthusiast-friends many times. I have found that the Internet has been instrumental in helping me find like-minded enthusiasts, and the best retail sources. All of my American Whiskey has been sourced in North America, but my Scotch acquisitions have been more global in nature, as so many bottlings never make it to the US.

I have a MS Access database I maintain to keep track of my purchases and "holdings", so I know what I have, and reference prices when I go shopping (YES, DAMMIT! I AM AN ENGINEER BY TRAINING, TOO!) I have about 500 different bottlings of Scotch Whisky (450 different single malts), and about 200 different American Whiskeys. I try to have at least two of each bottle, so I can try one and still have at least one intact, for "later". If I REALLY like something and it's getting scarce, I'll get as many as I can, so I'll never run out (and maybe have some "trade bait")! There are some rare and/or expensive bottles of which I only have one. I may also buy one of something, intending to taste it in the near-enough future to buy some more -- if it pleases me sufficiently.

It would be great if we could buy, sell and trade directly (and legally), as collectors of any other legal good (sports memorabilia, stamps, coins, Pokemon, etc.) are entitled. It seems strange and ridiculous that if I trade you a spare bottle of "X" for a bottle of "Y" that you have and don't want, we are both criminals!

I try to buy bottles that I will enjoy drinking and sharing with my friends. At this point, I will probably NOT get around to all the bottles that I already have. But the joy and the glory is in the attempt!

Accumulating whisky (as opposed to "collecting", which to me means putting it on a shelf and admiring it) is an interesting endeavour, as it is both (relatively) non-perishable and consumable. You can either "have your cake" OR "eat it"! I try and do both. To me the biggest difference in "state" is the difference between having even one bottle of something unopened, in reserve, and having only an open bottle, or none at all. Each unopened bottle has the potential of adding a wonderful pleasure to some future day. And it will wait until the time of my choosing! I can only hope that I will live long enough to experience and enjoy all the "pleasures" I have stored up for myself (and my friends)!

Re: Attention All Collectors

Howdy Chuck.
Can you tell the difference between the two H Mckennas-I'm talking about the bottle labels, I guess. (And the regular, $10.00 a bottle version of Mckenna-not the single barrel, or small batch? not sure what they call it).
Do you think there is much difference between the two in taste, or did HH keep it basically the same?

Thanks, I have been appreciating your stuff here and on your site. And a fellow Illinoisan!